| Title | साबुन पत्थर (Soapstone)Rare Sābun patthar Soapstone |
|---|---|
| Description | Sābaṇaśile (Soapstone), also known as *sneha pāṣāṇa* (Sanskrit for 'greasy stone'), is a metamorphic rock [1], primarily talc schist, with chlorite, magnesite, and amphibole. Its geological origin involves hydrothermal alteration of ultramafic rocks. Physical properties include a Mohs hardness of 1-3, density of 2.5-2.8 g/cm³, and low porosity (1-5%) [2]. Low thermal conductivity (3-6 W/mK) and high thermal resistance contribute to its use in traditional cooking implements. Extensively used in Indic heritage architecture, particularly during the Hoysala (10th-14th century CE) and Chalukya periods in Karnataka, it facilitated intricate carvings on temple walls and sculptures. The Vijayanagara Empire also utilized *śistopalastara* (another Indic term) for decorative panels and inlays. Traditional quarries in Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh provided the raw material. Conservation efforts address weathering and erosion, employing consolidation techniques to preserve heritage structures. [3] Traditional processing involved hand-carving techniques. Durability is affected by acid rain and physical abrasion. [2] |
| Also Known As | Soapstone Sābun patthar Soapstone Steatite Soaprock साबुन पत्थर सोपस्टोन शिस्टोपलस्तर स्नेहपाषाण |
| Tags | Soapstone Sābaṇa Shilā Talc Carving Sculpture Sābaṇa Shiḷā Steatite Soft Stone Sābaṇaśile Hoysala |
| Material ID | INHFMAT-863487837-20-11-25-SO |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/soapstone |
| API Endpoint | https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/soapstone |
| Total Sites | 2 |
| Primary Sites | 1 |
| Created | November 20, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 28, 2025 |
| Types | Metamorphic Rock Talc Schist |
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| Regions | Karnataka Rajasthan Jharkhand Tamil Nadu Madhya Pradesh Andhra Pradesh |
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| Time Periods | Medieval Period (CE) Hoysala Period (10th-14th century CE) Chalukya Period Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE) |
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| Dynasties | Hoysala Chalukya Vijayanagara |
| Sources | Karnataka soapstone quarries (e.g., near Belur and Halebidu, Holenarasipura, Hassan district) Rajasthan soapstone mines Jharkhand soapstone mines Tamil Nadu (Namakkal) Madhya Pradesh soapstone mines Andhra Pradesh soapstone mines Geological surveys |
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| Properties | Mohs Hardness: 1-3 Density: 2.5-2.8 g/cm³ Low Porosity (1-5%) High Thermal Resistance Low Thermal Conductivity (3-6 W/mK) |
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| Uses | Intricate carvings Sculptures Decorative panels Inlays Lintels Lathe-turned pillars |
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| Materials | Lime Mortar (चूना - Chunā) Wood (काष्ठ - Kāshtha) for scaffolding Iron (Lohā) tools Timber (Kāshtha) Metal fasteners Herbal Dyes (कषाय - Kashāya) |
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| Styles | Hoysala architecture Chalukya architecture Vijayanagara architecture |
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| Categories | Temple Sculpture Relief |
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| Notes |
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| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hoysala Temple Architecture | Architectural Study | Use of soapstone |
| Archaeological Survey of India Reports | Archaeological Report | Material usage in Hoysala art |
| Hoysala Art and Architecture | Art History Book | Use of soapstone in carvings |
| Hoysala Architecture: A Comprehensive Study | Book | Material usage in Hoysala temples |
| Archaeological Survey of India Reports | Technical Report | Material analysis of Hoysala temples |
| Site Name | Status | Usage | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chennakesava Temple Belur | Primary | 100% | |
| Hoysaleswara Temple Halebidu | Secondary | 100% |